Gemma Grainger: Leading Norway with Respect, Resilience, and Ambition
Gemma Grainger, a Middlesbrough native accustomed to coaching in cold conditions, found herself unprepared for the extreme chill of her first visit to Oslo. “I stepped out of the airport, and it was minus 24,” she recalls. Wearing trousers with trainer socks, she was met with laughter and a quintessential Norwegian phrase: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” For Grainger, this experience highlighted the grit and determination of a nation that thrives in harsh conditions, where towering snowdrifts barely draw a reaction.
This week, Grainger is grateful for the relatively milder weather near her home in Leeds, where Norway’s women’s team is training on Leeds United’s pitches. The team is preparing for a crucial playoff against Northern Ireland to secure a spot in next summer’s European Championship, with the first leg taking place at Inver Park in Larne. Grainger’s passion for grassroots football is evident, as she recently led a coaching session for a girls’ team in Oslo, part of her ongoing mission to grow women’s football in Norway.
“Before every international camp, I visit a girls’ club in Oslo and take a coaching session,” says Grainger. “It’s part of our higher purpose and something the players and I are passionate about: growing the game. When I started as a young coach in Middlesbrough, I had a bag of footballs, cones, and bibs in my car, traveling between after-school sessions. Grassroots clubs are a big part of who I am.”
Grainger’s coaching journey began when former England manager Ted Copeland spotted her potential. As an 18-year-old captain, she was invited by Copeland to assist with a primary school session, sparking her lifelong dedication to coaching. Her career has taken her from managing Leeds and Middlesbrough to working with England’s youth teams and eventually leading Wales. Despite a heartbreaking World Cup playoff loss in 2022, she left her beloved Wales in January 2024 to take the Norway job, drawn by the team’s potential and the country’s progressive, ambitious football culture.
Building Success with Norway
Grainger’s tenure with Norway has been impressive, with only one loss in 10 competitive fixtures. Her team’s recent 13-0 aggregate win against Albania in the Euros qualifying playoffs underscores their strength. Norway’s women’s team, with a proud history as World Cup (1995) and Olympic (2000) champions and two-time Euros winners, is eager to reclaim its place among the sport’s elite.
“We wear a badge with a star above it,” Grainger says, emphasizing the importance of respecting Norway’s rich history while focusing on the present. “We want to go into next summer’s tournament and really deliver.”
With stars like Chelsea’s Guro Reiten, Arsenal’s Frida Maanum, Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen, and Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, Norway boasts an enviable roster. The inclusion of Manchester United regulars Elisabeth Terland, Celin Bizet, and Lisa Naalsund further strengthens their squad. Yet, Grainger recognizes the challenge ahead. “We know Northern Ireland will be seen as underdogs, but there’s real determination within the group to succeed.”
Lessons from Legends and a Nation’s Spirit
Grainger draws inspiration from former Germany head coach Silvia Neid, a two-time European champion who invited her to observe a camp during Grainger’s Uefa Pro Licence course. Like Neid, Grainger seeks to blend tactical expertise with a strong connection to her players and the community.
Norway’s culture has deeply resonated with her. “I see young girls and boys walking to training in minus 10 degrees, gloves on and backpacks ready. Participation rates are incredible for a country of 5.5 million. There’s a respectful, trusting nature among Norwegians, coupled with resilience. They’ve taught me a lot, including how to dress for cold weather,” she jokes.
A New Chapter for Norway
With Grainger at the helm, Norway is aiming to end an 11-year semi-final drought and return to the heights of international success. As the team prepares for their playoff against Northern Ireland, Grainger’s blend of experience, passion, and respect for Norway’s unique culture could make all the difference.
“I knew from my first conversation about this role that it was something special,” Grainger reflects. “It’s been a great decision for me, and I’m excited for what we can achieve together.”